**Russia’s Drone War on Ukraine: A New Norm**
For the residents of Kyiv, Monday night was just another evening of non-stop drone attacks. The city’s skies were filled with searchlights and orange tracer fire as Ukrainian air defense units tried to intercept the incoming drones. Heavy machine gun fire echoed through the streets as each drone approached its target.
This type of bombardment has become all too familiar for Ukrainians, but the numbers tell a disturbing story. Since last August, Russia’s use of drones has increased sharply, with over 4,000 drones fired in May alone. This month is expected to set a new record, with an average of 256 projectiles per day, mostly drones.
**A Sustained Campaign**
The statistics paint a clear picture: Ukraine is experiencing its most sustained bombardment since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion. According to Ukraine’s general staff, in the three months before August last year, Russia fired a total of 1,100 drones. The numbers then skyrocketed, with 818 drones recorded in August, 1,410 in September, and over 2,000 in October.
The use of Iranian-supplied Shaheds, which means “martyr” in Russian, began in late 2022. However, by the following summer, Russia had started producing its own variant, known as Geran, at a special economic zone in Yelabuga, Tatarstan. The SBU’s Artem Dehtiarenko claims that over 25,000 drones have been produced there, with another 20,000 assembled from Iranian components.
**A New Normal for Kyiv**
For the residents of Kyiv, the constant drone attacks are taking a toll on their mental health. Katya, a local resident, described how it used to be easier emotionally but now feels harder. The intensity of the strikes has increased, and people can sense the subtle changes in technology as Russia develops its capability.
“It’s become more intense,” Katya said. “There are more drones with a slightly different sound than before.”
The SBU’s Dehtiarenko added that Russian engineers have been tasked with increasing the destructive power of their drones to maximize devastation and civilian casualties. Efforts are also being made to make the Geran drones less vulnerable to Ukrainian air defenses.
**A Threat to Cultural Heritage**
On Monday, Kyiv’s St Sophia cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage Site, was hit for the first time. The blast wave damaged a plastered cornice on the eastern façade but did not affect the interior. However, any vibrational impact caused by explosions poses a serious threat to the integrity of the structure.
As the situation continues to escalate, it’s essential to remember that Ukraine is facing a sustained campaign of drone attacks. The statistics and accounts from residents demonstrate the devastating impact on civilians and cultural heritage sites. As Katya said, “It’s become harder.”
